The nine-day-long Shat Chandi Maha Yagya, organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) during Navratras for world peace, harmony, prosperity and the well-being of humanity, concluded on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami at the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.
The Purna Ahuti and other religious ceremonies were performed with traditional fervor and devotion amidst Vedic chants. Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB along with officers and staff of the Shrine Board and a large number of pilgrims, participated in the sacred rituals. The Maha Yagya was conducted by a distinguished group of pandits led by Padma Shri Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri.
The Navratra period witnessed an overwhelming response from devotees, with over 3 lakh pilgrims paying obeisance at the Holy Shrine. On average, around 37,000 pilgrims visited daily. The Yatra has shown a steady upward trend in 2026, with approximately 18,76,715 devotees visiting up to March 26, compared to 16,72,046 during the corresponding period in 2025.
For the convenience of pilgrims and to ensure a smooth, safe and well-regulated Yatra, the Shrine Board strengthened enforcement measures against unauthorized service providers and impersonators. In a recent meeting chaired by the Chief Executive Officer with service providers and stakeholders, it was decided to constitute joint enforcement teams comprising officials from the Shrine Board Enforcement Wing, JKP and CRPF for conducting random inspections along the track to curb unregistered service providers, while all ingress points are being effectively monitored and regulated to prevent unauthorized access.
Elaborate arrangements were made by the Shrine Board for the convenience of pilgrims during Navratras. The Bhawan, Atka, and surrounding areas were adorned with aesthetic floral decorations and vibrant illumination, enhancing the festive and devotional atmosphere. Uninterrupted water and power supply, along with robust sanitation and hygiene measures, were ensured across the track, including the Bhawan area.
Special arrangements for ‘fast-related’ food were provided at the Board’s Langars and Bhojanalyas. Facilities such as accommodation, battery-operated vehicles, passenger ropeway and helicopter services were operated smoothly and efficiently throughout the Navratra period, ensuring a comfortable pilgrimage experience.
Other highlights of the celebrations included soulful bhajan and bhaint performances during the morning and evening Atka Aarti by renowned artists, including Mani Ladla, Rampy Saaz, Babul Supriyo, Rasraj Ji Maharaj, Happy Lucky, Hansraj Raghuwanshi, Gautam Jalandhari, Bishan Dass, Sheetal Pandey, Lakhwinder Wadali, the Yaduvanshi Brothers, Mika Singh, Swasthi Mehul, Maithili Thakur and Deepak Kumar. Devotional presentations by budding students of SMVD Gurukul further enriched the spiritual ambience of the Shrine.